The Taoiseach said this week that he would like to think that we would learn from the situation in Rossport. I would also like to think that we would learn from it. However, there is no evidence in the planning process that we are. Only this week, An Bord Pleanála overturned the decision of Offaly County Council and Laois County Council to grant planning permission for gigantic and monstrous industrial wind farms in Rhode, County Offaly and Cullenagh Mountain in Ballyroan, County Laois. What is the point in a planning process when the decision of the inspector of An Bord Pleanála recommending refusal of permission can be overturned by the board of An Bord Pleanála? The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government promised that new planning regulations and binding statutory guidelines for the development of wind farms would be introduced. A year on, we are still waiting for them.

Last week, Senator Barrett exposed a further fraud that is being perpetrated on the Irish taxpayer and people in terms of the energy regulator moving to increase the subsidy to wind farm developers by 50%. This is not cheap or free energy; it is the most expensive energy. It provides no economic or environmental dividend.

Is the Senator seeking a debate on the issue?

Yes. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to the House to explain the reason planning permission for wind farms the length and breadth of the country is being granted at a time when there is a vacuum in terms of planning regulation and guidelines in this regard.

The Senator is way over time.

I believe the delay in introducing the guidelines is a tactic to ensure that the planning permissions have been approved before they come into force. It is a scandal and must be stopped.